A classic Beef Stir Fry can transform an ordinary weeknight into something special. Picture this: succulent strips of beef sizzling in a hot skillet, paired with vibrant vegetables like crisp bell peppers and snap peas. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to dig in? When you mix it all with a homemade sauce boasting rich flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a fan favorite. You can whip it up in no time—perfect for when life gets busy. Plus, let’s be honest: cooking should be fun, right? It’s all about enjoying the process together while bonding over chopping, stirring, and tasting. So, grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Recipe Works
A classic Beef Stir Fry is truly a weeknight hero. How great is it that you can bring together tender meat and vibrant vegetables in a matter of minutes? The secret lies in the homemade sauce, blending wholesome ingredients that ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the quick cooking method preserves the freshness of the vegetables, making every bite feel just right.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir Fry
This Beef Stir Fry is so much more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. With the juicy, succulent strips of beef, colorful veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish captures the heart of home cooking. It’s not just about filling bellies—you get to explore your creative side in the kitchen! Whether you have picky eaters at home or adventurous foodies, this dish caters to everyone’s taste buds with its easy customization.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or extra green onions, for garnish
Whisking Together the Flavorful Sauce
First up, let’s make that flavor-packed sauce! Combine the beef broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, chili paste, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic powder, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix it up thoroughly and then set aside. This sauce is the rich base for your stir fry, elevating the overall flavor. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Now, let’s get cooking! Heat a 12″ skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and toss in the sliced red bell pepper, carrots, sugar snap peas, and green onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. The quick cooking preserves their natural crunch and vibrant colors—yum!
Searing the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of avocado oil. Season those lovely sliced beef strips with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, toss them into the hot skillet. Sear for just 1-2 minutes on one side before flipping them over. Cook for an additional minute until the beef is beautifully browned but not overcooked.
Mixing in the Sauce
It’s time to bring everything together! Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet alongside the beef. Pour in your prepared stir fry sauce, stirring everything together until the meat and veggies are well-coated. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. You’re almost there!
Serving Suggestions
Now comes the best part—serving! Serve the Beef Stir Fry over a cozy bed of warm, fluffy rice or noodles. For that extra pop of flavor, garnish with sesame seeds and either fresh cilantro or more green onions. Isn’t it gorgeous?
Tips for Success
- Cut Against the Grain: For the best tenderness, slice the beef against the grain.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying at high heat helps lock in all that moisture and flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Consider chopping your vegetables and slicing the beef beforehand to save time when cooking.
Variations
Feel free to make this your own! Vegetable Swaps: You can replace the vegetables with your favorites—broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini work wonders. Spice Levels: Adjust the chili paste based on how much heat you want. If you prefer milder flavors, switch it out for a different sauce. Protein Alternatives: This recipe is versatile—it works beautifully with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the beef stir fry for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen beef for stir fry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and slice it thinly for even cooking. -
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce, and you’re good to go. -
What veggies are best for stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are all fantastic choices. Use whatever is fresh and in season! -
Can I make this in advance?
While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time for a quick cook later. -
What do I serve with beef stir fry?
It pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even quinoa. A side of dumplings can turn it into a complete meal!
With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this Beef Stir Fry is destined to become a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup. Enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and sharing a meal that nourishes not just the body but also the heart!
Print
Beef Stir Fry
This Beef Stir Fry is a delightful combination of juicy beef and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a rich homemade sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or extra green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce by combining beef broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, chili paste, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic powder, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Heat a skillet over high heat and stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more avocado oil and sear the beef strips for 1-2 minutes on one side then flip and cook for another minute.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet, add the sauce, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Serve over warm rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro or green onions.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.
Stir-fry at high heat to maintain moisture.
Prep ingredients in advance to save time during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 75
